Should I buy this Johnson outboard?

[Isaacm1986]

Yesterday I was garage sale shopping with my wife, we went to a garage sale and this guy had 9 boats for sale. I asked him if he had any outboards he would be wanting to sell, he said yes and walked me around back. Laying the grass was a 70hp Johnson, it has been laying in the field for over a year, about 6 months ago we had a huge flood, so this motor would have been underwater for days. I opened up the hood, and the motor was looked fairly clean, some muud in it but no big deal. The guy said it ran, it had controls for it, and he said I could have it for $100. should I buy it? It is the exact same as the picture. what do you guys think?

 

[rockyrude]

Re: Should I buy this Johnson outboard?

If the motor was indeed under water and then dried out without running, the insides are most likely rusted up tight. Unless you need some external spare parts, best to leave sleeping dogs lie.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Should I buy this Johnson outboard?

The 70 from the late 80's was reputed to be one of OMC's best motors, and I think the smallest 3 cylinder. I have one. Easy to work on and get parts. Can't speak for this one's condition of course; are you a project guy? If you plan to send it to a mechanic to get it going, keep this in mind: many mechanics won't touch old motors; they can't quote a price but just have to see what they find as they go along (so you need one you can trust). You will have to allow them several weeks unless they are "not very busy" in which case you have to question their reputation and ability. But a parts motor is about $100, and the prop is on it--if it's a SS prop there's your safety net.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Should I buy this Johnson outboard?

if you can remove the plugs, and turn the flywheel, it is worth that in parts to sell off.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Should I buy this Johnson outboard?

I have a 1987 70hp & its a great motor
If it has a good prop theres your $100 worth (mostly anyway)